Clonazepam and Appetite Loss

Hannah Rice Myers

Prescription medications all have side effects.
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All medications have their share of side effects -- clonazepam is no different. These side effects are categorized by their severity: more common, less common and rare. Clonazepam has a plethora of side effects, loss of appetite falling within the more common category. Certain dangers accompany this, though, especially when left untreated.

Clonazepam

Also known as Klonopin, doctors prescribe clonazepam to treat seizure or panic disorders. Drugs.com warns you should not take this medication longer than nine weeks without the approval of your doctor. Its greatest danger is tolerance, or the lessening effect of your current dose. If this occurs, your doctor may need to increase your dose for maximum efficacy.

Loss of Appetite Health Risks

Loss of appetite can result in you becoming underweight, which has serious health repercussions. Ultimately, it can cause a decline in muscle mass, hair loss, osteoporosis, an inability to become pregnant or complications during pregnancy, irregular menses and anemia. You may also find yourself prone to infection due to a compromised immune system.

Treatment

Loss of appetite is considered one of the most common side effects of clonazepam and should subside once your body adjusts to the drug. If after several days you still have no desire to eat, call your doctor. He can reduce the overall amount you take or prescribe smaller amounts in more frequent intervals, explains Lagone Medical Center.

Self-Help

For some, clonazepam may be the most effective medication available, especially for those with seizure disorders. In these instances, it is necessary to nourish your body and prevent health repercussions. Set and follow a specific schedule for your meals. Eat according to the clock rather than your hunger level. Depression is another side effect of clonazepam, especially if you have taken it for a long period of time. Taking a walk can lift your spirits and ease your depression, increasing your desire to eat. Fiber fills you up quickly; reducing your fiber intake ensures you receive the right amount of calories and nutrients from meat and vegetables as well.

Considerations

No matter how disheartening the side effects of clonazepam are, do not discontinue this medication suddenly, especially if you have seizures. Doing so can increase the number of seizures you experience. Advocate for yourself. Even if your doctor feels clonazepam is the only drug that is effective for your condition, get a second opinion. A myriad of options exist; do not ignore them. Differentiate between the side effects of this drug and what you feel is a true physical need for it. Letting dependency rule your life, even if it begins with the most common of side effects, can result in disaster.